Presbyterian | Spring 2020 | Your Story

www.phs.org/centennialcare 5 We all want our children to have beautiful smiles! Good dental care starts young! Growing up with good oral health habits from an early age and visiting the dentist regularly helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Just brushing isn’t enough to keep your child’s mouth clean and healthy. Good dental health involves brushing and flossing along with regular visits to your dentist. Dental visits aren’t just for taking care of cavities. Seeing a dentist every Dental care for children with special needs A special needs child requires patience, attention, and love. The child’s dental health is one more important need. A healthy mouth is an important part of total health. If dental care is started early, every child can enjoy a healthy smile. Your child will benefit from: • Regular dental checkups • Good brushing • Flossing • Healthy snacks • Fluoride treatments Choosing a dentist for your child • You can contact the Presbyterian Customer Service Center at (505) 923-5200 or 1-888-977-2333 to locate a dentist close to your home community. • Presbyterian Health Plan is contracted with dentists who are certified in treating individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Children’s dental health For help finding a dentist in your area or to schedule an appointment, call the Presbyterian Customer Service Center at (505) 923-5200 or 1-888-977-2333 . Keep these numbers handy The Presbyterian Customer Service Center (PCSC) is available for members Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members can reach the PCSC at the following numbers: (505) 923-5200 or 1-888-977-2333 , TTY: 711 Navajo/Diné members: (505) 923-5157 or 1-888-806-8793 , TTY: 711 Other important numbers: PresRN: (505) 923-5677 or 1-888-730-2300 , TTY: 711 Routine Transportation (for non-emergency medical transportation): 1-855-774-7737 New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (for a behavioral health crisis): 1-855-662-7474 (1-855-NMCRISIS) year is very important in the good growth and development of your child’s teeth. During your child’s dental visit, the dentist can check teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. This helps find any problems that may be in your child’s mouth. Cavities may not show up until after damage has been done to the tooth. Regular visits to your dentist are important in keeping your child’s teeth healthy and clean. Early signs of tooth decay are easier to treat than advanced cases.